The fellas behind Umbrella Music are doing some pretty great stuff, found weekly on Wednesdays at the Hideout, Thursdays at Elastic and Sundays at the Hungry Brain. But for daily offerings, look no further than these local institutions:

Andy'sThis mainstream jazz haven runs regular, low-key residencies with some of Chicago’s most respected scene elders, Von Freeman and Mike Smith among them. It’s a comfortable, intimate space; on top of the music, this River North restaurant boasts a respectable menu that tempts jazzheads to make an evening of it.

Green MillAl Capone and other gangsters used to hang here in the 1920s, but these days it’s all about the music. Owner Dave Jemilo, who returned the club to its original luster in the 1980s, books smart bebop and free jazz with a discriminating ear. Local favorites Kimberly Gordon and Patricia Barber both maintain residencies throughout the year (Barber’s here every Monday, if she’s not on tour) while Tuesdays belong to the ferociously swinging Deep Blue Organ Trio. Come early, as it’s usually understandably busy.

Jazz ShowcaseLong heralded as Chicago’s leading jazz venue, the venerable club has been forced to relocate more than once since its inception in 1947. However, since taking up swank new digs in 2008, the Showcase has easily reestablished its reputation for bringing in top-shelf talent like David Sánchez and Mose Allison.

Velvet LoungeThe address is different (the original location was a few blocks east), but the booking policy remains the same at this pioneering venue and informal showcase for members of Chicago’s trailblazing Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians. Run by veteran saxophonist Fred Anderson (an AACM forerunner himself), the club concentrates on free jazz, with high-caliber guests such as Henry Grimes and former Chicagoan Matana Roberts joining the locals.